Distinguished delegates,

As we stand at the halfway point to 2030, we remain off track to achieve the triple billion targets and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

We welcome the timely release of the report and acknowledge the important recognition of the slowing progress in noncommunicable disease mortality. NCDs remain the leading cause of death globally. Only 19 states and territories are on track to achieve the NCD mortality target in SDG 3.4, and progress under-5 mortality rate remains insufficient.

This year's High-Level Meeting on NCDs offers a chance to highlight the interlinking nature of global health agendas and sustainable development goals.

We urge Member States to:

- Accelerate action on NCD risk factors: Achieving SDG target 3.4 requires action to reduce exposure to major NCD risk factors and addressing their determinants through effective tobacco and alcohol control, promotion of healthy diets and physical activity, and air pollution reduction.

- Advance strong, accessible, inclusive and resilient health systems: Investments are needed to enhance system capacity for NCD prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care - including for women, children, persons with disabilities, older people, and other marginalized groups.

- Reinforce health information systems and accountability: Robust health information systems are essential for evidence-based policymaking, effective prioritization within UHC frameworks, and enhanced transparency. Countries must invest in disaggregated data - including vulnerable populations.

Sustainable development cannot be achieved without addressing NCDs, and we hope for your leadership to advance on this agenda.